Spain: 'We will transfer minors from Ceuta to Europe within weeks'

Spain's Minister of Youth, Sira Rego, announced during a visit to Ceuta that the government is preparing to transfer migrant minors to mainland Spain within weeks. So far, 1,342 minors have been registered, with priority given to girls and children under 13. Meanwhile, Spain is imposing border controls on flights and ships from Italy until September 7, in response to reciprocal measures by Rome, which made clear it will not yield to ultimatums.

Spain's Minister of Youth, Sira Rego, announced yesterday (Friday) during a visit to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa that she hopes to begin "within weeks" the transfer of migrant minors who broke into the city from Morocco to mainland Spain. So far, 1,342 minors have been registered, and the minister clarified that priority is given to girls, as well as boys and girls under 13. These remarks were made while local authorities and the government in Madrid grapple with the aftermath of the mass migration event. The events in Ceuta, which saw a mass breach of about 72,000 people into the enclave on July 30, have caused widespread diplomatic shock in Western Europe. In response to measures taken by Rome, the Spanish government announced it would impose border controls on flights and ships arriving from Italy from midnight between Friday and Saturday until September 7. Under the restrictions, passport, nationality, and visa checks will be carried out on Italian passengers and visitors from other countries arriving from Italy, "in light of the ongoing pressure of illegal immigration." Madrid made clear that the measures will remain in effect as long as Italy continues to impose its own restrictions. Earlier, Spain issued an ultimatum and adopted reciprocal measures after Italy refused to lift the border controls it imposed last week. In response, the Italian government made clear it would not yield to "ultimatums or dictates" from Spain, and announced it would keep border controls on arrivals from Spain until at least August 15. Rome will reconsider its decision only when it is clear beyond any doubt that there are no security risks or terrorist threats, and that no new wave of migration is occurring.